COURT COURTESY: PLAY UP, PLAY DOWN OR PLAY EVEN?

Courtesy: the showing of politeness in one’s attitude and behavior toward others.

Many players want to always play against players of a higher skill level, however, think about it: if every player insisted on playing up every game, there would never be another game played. Sport over!

I think all players should be sensitive to other players who want good competition. None of us should expect higher level players to always play with them and they should appreciate it when they do. Sometimes, a higher level group wants to stay together, and this is acceptable as long as they rotate with others when courts are full.

I also feel it’s important for higher level players to be sensitive to other players’ desire to improve their skills and be willing to play down sometimes to help them improve. Many of our club members do a very good job of this, and many are also teaching and leading drill sessions. We can all be thankful for them.

Ideally, it is best to find games where all four players are at about the same skill level as this is the best competition for everyone and the best way for all players on the court to be challenged and improve. As your skills improve, you move up to tougher competition.

Above all, we all need to be courteous, respectful and supportive of each other. We’re a tight-knit group. Let’s all have a great time playing together.